These guidelines are designed, first, to assist and encourage pastors and ministry personnel to develop their pastoral care of the sick outreach within their communities of faith, and second, to offer concrete guidance to Catholic volunteers involved in the pastoral care of the sick.

The celebration of a Quinceañera is an important cultural-faith tradition for young women turning fifteen years of age in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean as well as in parts of the United States. It is typically a celebration of thanksgiving to God for the gift of life, and it consists of a special blessing given at Mass or during a Liturgy of the Word service often accompanied by the gift of significant religious items.